Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week – aside from the Coldplay concerts at Sun Bowl Stadium this Friday and Saturday.
Meet Cassandro at the MACC
The Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 W. Franklin Ave., will kick off its Pride Film Series with screenings of “Cassandro,” a 2023 Amazon Original biographical drama chronicling the life of the groundbreaking luchador who rose to fame in the world of lucha libre while navigating life between El Paso and Ciudad Juárez.
Directed by Roger Ross Williams and starring Gael García Bernal, the film explores themes of identity, resilience and representation. Screenings will take place at 2 p.m. Friday-Saturday, June 13-14. On Saturday, attendees will have the chance to meet Cassandro in person following the film, around 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Juneteenth Celebrations
El Paso will commemorate Juneteenth with a variety of events highlighting Black history, culture and community. On Saturday, June 14, a free Juneteenth Celebration will take place from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Nations Tobin Park, 8831 Railroad Drive, featuring live music, cultural performances, food trucks, vendors, informational booths and children’s activities. Earlier that day, Sun Metro will host a Juneteenth Read and Ride aboard the El Paso Streetcar, with boarding starting at noon at the Arts District stop in front of the Main Library, 501 N. Oregon. On Wednesday, June 19, the El Paso Zoo will offer 20% off regular admission to visitors who mention “Juneteenth Celebration” at the entrance. Public libraries across the city will also host Juneteenth-themed storytimes, craft sessions and potluck gatherings. visit elpasotexas.gov/juneteenth for a full list of activities. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the emancipation of enslaved people more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.
Pride Night at the Locomotive
El Paso Locomotive FC will host Orange County SC at 7 p.m. Friday, June 14, for a USL Championship match at Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza. The match will also mark the team’s annual Pride Night, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. Gates open at 6 p.m. El Paso (5-2-5) will look to maintain its position in the upper echelon of the Western Conference standings in its first match at home in nearly a month. Information and tickets: eplocomotivefc.com
Anime El Paso
Anime fans will take over the El Paso Convention Center this weekend for Anime El Paso, a two-day celebration of anime, manga and pop culture. The event will feature panels, workshops, cosplay, and the chance to meet creators and celebrities through photo ops and autograph sessions. Q&A panels are included with admission, and cosplay is strongly encouraged. Children ages 2 and younger enter free with a paid adult. Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Information and tickets: animeelpaso.com
Selena Tribute at Cool Canyon Nights
Cool Canyon Nights continues its summer concert series at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 12, with a tribute to Tejano music icon Selena. The evening at McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre will feature Que Creías Selena Tribute, known for delivering performances that celebrate the Queen of Cumbia’s legacy. Opening the night is Sultanes del Yonke, a rising act blending alternative and cumbia sounds. Admission is free, but early arrival is recommended. Full schedule: Cool Canyon Nights on Instagram
‘Dads N’ Rides’ at Ascarate Park
El Paso County Parks and Recreation will host “Dads N’ Rides,” a free Father’s Day celebration from 2 to 6 p.m. at Ascarate Park’s festival area, 6900 Delta Drive. The family-friendly event will feature a classic car showcase, live music and a variety of local food trucks. Attendees are asked to refrain from bringing outside food or drinks. Ascarate Park has a $2 per vehicle entrance fee on weekends and a $5 fee for special events.
‘Pose at the Museum’
The El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza, kicks off Pride weekend with “Pose at the Museum,” an evening of drag performances and art from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 13, in the C2 Event Space. The lineup includes local performers such as Rumor, Circe the VVitch, Mr. Stark, and FiSh the Clown. The event also marks the opening of “The Body Electric,” a pop-up exhibition that will remain on view through the weekend. Museum members can reserve seats for Friday’s performance by emailing EPMAmember@elpasotexas.gov by Thursday, June 12.
School Break Water Series at Tech2O
Families looking to kick off summer with a mix of fun and learning can head to the School Break Water Series from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, June 13, at Tech2O Center, 10751 Montana Ave. Children can try free hands-on crafts and educational activities at the Eastside water education facility. Hosted by El Paso Water, the event is designed to engage young minds during summer break through interactive, family-friendly programming. Admission is free.
El Paso Opera’s Bon Appétit!
El Paso Opera invites audiences to indulge in “Bon Appétit!,” a two-act musical performance blending song and cuisine at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing, 1 Ardovino Drive in Sunland Park. The show, which will be staged at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, June 14, includes dessert and a beverage, and features food-themed tunes performed by the company’s resident artists. In the second act, mezzo-soprano Cherry Duke reprises her role as Julia Child in a live staging of “Bon Appétit!” The show offers a light-hearted experience for all ages, celebrating the joy of food, music and laughter. Information: epopera.org
Stitching Narratives at EPMA
Explore the intersection of art and personal narrative during “Stitching Narratives: A Cyanotype & Embroidery Workshop,” led by multidisciplinary artist Jose Villalobos at the El Paso Museum of Art. The hands-on sessions, scheduled for 1-2:30 p.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14, invite participants to experiment with cyanotype fabric — a 19th-century photographic technique — and enhance their creations with embroidery. All materials will be provided, but attendees are encouraged to bring small found objects to incorporate into their designs. The workshop takes place in the C2 Gallery. Registration is required. Information and registration: epma.art
Coming Up
El Paso Matters Book Club Craft Night: The El Paso Matters Book Club invites readers and craft enthusiasts to its second Craft Night at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, at Margin Notes Bookbar, 7460 Cimarron Market Ave. Suite 300. Attendees will create handmade bookmarks inspired by Texas culture using magazines, scrapbook supplies and local themes. The evening also offers a chance to connect with others over the club’s current selection, “Chuco Punk: Sonic Insurgency in El Paso” by Tara López, or any book of choice. Tickets include all materials and a drink — options include coffee, wine or a locally brewed Aurellia’s El Paso Matters Beer. Information and tickets: elpasomatters.org
JOIN THE CLUB: Learn more about “Chuco Punk” and follow our book club reading schedule. Plus, sign up for event updates at elpasomatters.org/bookclub
Pride at La Nube: La Nube will host its first-ever Pride celebration from 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, with a night of music, science and self-expression for adults ages 18 and older. The event includes after-hours access to all exhibits, a drag show, a live DJ, hands-on STEAM activities, snacks and a complimentary drink. Tickets are $40 for non-members and $35 for members. A portion of proceeds will benefit Sun City Pride. Information and tickets: la-nube.org
Pride Month at the Chihuahuas: Celebrate Pride Month with a night of baseball and community as the El Paso Chihuahuas host the Reno Aces at 6:35 p.m. Thursday, June 19, at Southwest University Park. The Chihuahuas will host Pride Night in partnership with Sun City Pride, highlighting messages of inclusion and unity in the borderland. Specially priced tickets can be purchased online or at The Tool Box, 506 N. Stanton St. Information and tickets: milb.com
Sun City Craft Beer Festival: The Sun City Craft Beer Festival returns from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at the El Paso Convention Center. The event offers tastings, games, live music and more. Attendees can sample over 100 beers, visit vendor booths and experience the outdoor Beerlympics and Beer Bash. General admission includes 10 sample tickets and a commemorative glass, while VIP access grants early entry at 4 p.m., a complimentary meal and access to a private lounge. Designated driver tickets are also available. Information: suncitycraftbeerfest.com
2025 Pride Parade: El Paso’s 19th annual Pride Parade is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, June 21. The procession will step off at the corner of Mills Avenue and North Ochoa Street, travel west on Mills, then north on Campbell Street before heading east on Montana Avenue and ending at Houston Park. A family-friendly picnic will follow the parade at Houston Park, featuring live music, food, nonalcoholic beverages and drag performances. Pop-up canopies are welcome, but staking them into the ground is not permitted. Those interested in vending must request approval in advance by emailing epscp.festi@gmail.com. Freelance vendors will not be allowed. Information: suncitypride.org
Viva! El Paso: Viva! El Paso returns this summer to McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, celebrating the region’s rich history through music, dance and storytelling. The colorful outdoor musical, which begins June 21, highlights the four cultures that have shaped El Paso — Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Western American — brought to life by a cast of more than 50 performers. The long-running tradition offers a vibrant showcase of the city’s heritage against the scenic backdrop of the canyon. Performances run Fridays and Saturdays from late June through August.
Mark Your Calendar
Pages & Pints: Celebrate El Paso’s punk roots and literary scene at Pages & Pints, a free, family-friendly event hosted by El Paso Matters Book Club and Old Sheepdog Brewery from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at Old Sheepdog Brewery, 3900 Rosa Ave. Inspired by the book “Chuco Punk: Sonic Insurgency in El Paso” by Tara López, the event will feature a Q&A and book signing with the author, a market with local writers, vendors and live music. Guests can also enjoy food trucks, craft beer and a welcoming atmosphere for readers, music lovers and families. Pets are welcome. Information: elpasomatters.org/bookclub
Banned Histories Summer Camp: The El Paso Museum of History will host its Banned Histories Summer Camp from Monday, June 23, to Friday, June 27, offering students an interactive exploration of often-overlooked social movements. The camp will engage participants in hands-on activities focused on the Chicano, civil rights, gay liberation and disability rights movements. Students will explore the connections between these historical movements and contemporary issues, culminating in the creation of zines to share with the community. The camp runs from 8 a.m. to noon each day at the museum, located at 510 N. Santa Fe St. Application required. Information and application: epmuseumofhistory.org
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